The Devil In Me

After a while of extracting great joy from the spectacle of News International’s dismembering I wondered if there was something inherently evil lurking within. Then I realised that this is the company whose news outlets have been systematically targeting England and United players for years and who had an uncanny knack of leaking scandals directly prior to major finals or world cup tournaments. If only there was a German word for taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.

From snide journalism to Wesley Sneijder, the prospective acquisition for our beloved United. There seems to be an awful lot of smokescreen being put up around this potential deal. Inter clearly need, and want, a lot of money for the guy. Ferguson claims we were never in for him in the first place and I suspect he would rather purchase Samir Nasri. However, especially considering Rafael Van der Vaart success at Spurs last years, I can’t help thinking that Schneijder would be a great buy for us.

There seem to be three groups of people talking about the potential deal. Those close to Sneijder, who say the signing is a good idea. Those at Inter, who say United haven’t got enough money. And those from United who maintain they aren’t interested in the Dutchman at all. My 10 cents says that Sneijder wants out and Inter want bucks. United may or may not stump up the cash.

Traditionally of course, United’s biggest fanfare signings have been rather a mixed bag. For every Bryan Robson there was a Gary Birtles and the retirement of Scholes is proof that decent red tops are impossible to replace. Just ask Rupert Murdoch.

There is also the small matter of the fifty million quid United have already dished out into the ether this summer. That is serious money and expecting the club to chuck another 35 million odd Euros on top could be considered churlish. However, that midfield does look like it could use an extra player. The question is, do we already have that man?

With Michael Carrick this week calling on his colleagues to fill the ginger wizard’s void you suspect we might need to have the replacement in house. Nani’s improvement last year was phenomenal and one wonders if this could be the year Anderson steps up as well. Young has started very well pinging in crosses and the New England Revolution but only a fool judges on a player on one game.

Nonetheless, this summer’s tour of North America is certainly worth watching for United fans. The team it is ‘a changin’.

Follow Mark on twitter.com/markjpayne

Individual Performance of the Season
Dimitar Berbatov vs Liverpool

They are high pressure games against the team from Anfield and our record against these opponents has not been terrific of late. What’s more, having endured an enormous amount of criticism during his first two seasons at the club the Bulgar had a huge point to prove in 2010/11. His sublime hat-trick here, culminating in one of the most exquisite overhead kicks you will ever see, buried his critics at the bottom of the ocean. A stupendous performance from a stupendous player.

Honorable mentions: Wayne Rooney vs West Ham & Darren Gibson (yes him) vs Schalke 2nd Leg

Player of the Season
Edwin Van Der Sar
Despite his obvious howler against West Brom the Dutchman barely put a paw wrong all year. His final campaign at Old Trafford should now define ‘going out at the top’ for all sportsmen. He retires as one of United’s top three goalies of all time and he will be sorely missed

Goal of the Season
Dimitar Berbatov vs Liverpool
In terms of quality it is nearly impossible to separate this goal from Rooney’s against City. The reason this goal wins is because it seemed to defy the laws of physics and still looks improbable even on replay. Plus, it really deflated the scousers for another year. Lovely.

Most Improved Player
Rafael
Despite being ousted from the starting line up by his brother towards the end of the campaign Rafael can claim to have had an outstanding season over a larger sample of matches. Before Christmas he was established as the club’s best right back and putting in exceptional performances every week. In fact, he has played so well that the retirement of club captain and winner of more than 80 England caps, Gary Neville, is barely seen as a loss. That is impressive.

Signing of the Season
Chicharito
There was really only one contender for this award, but he is not only United’s best signing but possibly the best in Europe as well. In his first year at United he has scored against Chelsea, bagged a hatful of goals, netted in the Champion’s League and got the Old Trafford faithful wearing sombreros. I love him, you love him, and he’s great.

Best Opposition
Aston Villa’s youngsters
It seems churlish not to put Barcelona in this category but the whole world knows how brilliant they are anyway. At Villa Park United were nearly blown away by an excellent display of wing trickery and verve from a young side with guts. It is just the kind of thing I like to see on a football field and they deserve great credit. No wonder we bought their best player.

Tactical Display of the Season
(A) vs Arsenal
A terrific performance and one that Fergie really pulled out of the bag. Playing Rafael and Fabio as attacking fullbacks completely flummoxed Wenger and essentially put paid to Arsenal’s title challenge.

Thickest opposition fans
Blackburn – singing ‘Big Sam sort it out’ at 6-0.

Flukiest Win
(A) vs Valencia

The Ralph Milne Award for best Transfer – Bebe

Follow Mark on twitter.com/markjpayne

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